A-AAGORA’s Norwegian Demo promoted an inspiring day by the shore for students at Hansnes about marine life and human footprint

At the end of the previous school year, A-AAGORA’s Norwegian Demo (Demo NO) organized activities for students from Hansnes Primary and Secondary School, focusing on marine life and the impact of human activity on ocean ecosystems.

The event, taking full advantage of the beautiful sunshine, took place at the shore beneath Hansnes Primary and Secondary School. The day started with the youngest students, followed by the middle grades, and ended with the 9th and 10th graders.

The activities were led by marine biologists and aimed to spark the students’ curiosity, teach them about marine life, and raise awareness of the human impact on ocean ecosystems.

The initiative primarily focused on the importance of kelp forests for marine biodiversity. The students learned how vast areas of kelp forests in Karlsøy municipality have disappeared due to sea urchin overgrazing. Together with the students, the possible causes of this phenomenon were explored, and participants shared their ideas on how we could restore the kelp forests.

Activities included a bingo game where students searched for species associated to the tidal zone, fish dissections, species identification, and discussions about possible sea urchin predators. The students got to know different types of kelp, held sea urchins in their hands, and learned about their anatomy – and the bravest among them even tasted fresh sea urchin roe!

For the oldest students, an underwater drone was deployed to inspect a kelp garden they had helped establish. The students showed excitement to see how the sugar kelp they planted was thriving on the ropes.

According to Dr. Ann Lennert, Demo NO representative, “The energy and enthusiasm were fantastic throughout the day. All in all, it was a highly successful day filled with learning, discovery, and real nature experiences!”

A-AAGORA’s Demo NO is one of three case areas, alongside Ireland and Portugal, that aim to demonstrate how innovation, ecosystem-based management and nature-based solutions can contribute to sustainable transformation.

The Norwegian Demo was set to potentialize (i) large scale ecosystem restoration of kelp forest ecosystems through a collaboration between science, business, local authorities and citizens, (ii) develop ecotourism & sustainable tourism destination, largely driven by the intention to protect ecosystems and contribute to Nature-based Solutions in and outside marine protected areas, and (iii) apply an Ecosystem-based Management to protect and restore biological diversity and enhance resilience to climate change.

Photos: Camilla Fargerli